HF Seeds England - dlf-trifolium

Grass and Fodder Crops
F O R A G E H E R B S
FORAGE HERBS
With greater emphasis on the environment in recent years and a return to more traditional methods of animal production, there has been
increasing interest in the use of herbs to improve animal performance and to add greater botanical diversity to the sward. Although much
of the benefit of herbs is anecdotal and there is limited scientific evidence of their benefits for the grazing animal, it is accepted that they are
very palatable and contain high proportions of essential minerals particularly Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Cobalt and Selenium. They are
also generally very deep-rooted and as a result are very drought resistant and can improve both soil structure and drainage.
CHICORY
Chicory is a deep-rooted plant which grows
best on fertile well drained soils. It provides
leafy spring and summer growth which is
higher in digestibility, nutritive value and
mineral content than grass. It can be sown
on its own, overseeded into existing
pastures or included in a mixture for a new
reseed.
RIBGRASS
Ribgrass or Ribwort Plantain is known to
contain a range of chemical compounds
which reduce stress in ruminants and
consequently may influence performance.
It is very persistent and as it grows from the
bottom of the plant it will survive heavy
grazing.
SHEEP’S BURNETT
Sheep’s Burnett is a hardy long lived
evergreen plant which does best on well
drained soils and which has traditionally
been used for its high mineral content.
SAINFOIN
The name Sainfoin comes from French, ‘sain’
meaning wholesome and ‘foin’ meaning hay.
It is extremely palatable and has been used
for centuries as a fodder for cattle. It is rich
in tannins which protect proteins in the
rumen leading to better utilisation and it
may also have a limited anthelmintic action.
YARROW
Yarrow is a very common herb found
throughout the UK and with its deep taproot
it is very persistent and performs well
in dry conditions. It is high in minerals and
there is evidence to suggest that it is high in
fatty acids with a resultant benefit in animal
performance.
SHEEP’S PARSLEY
Sheep’s Parsley is very palatable to livestock
and is a rich source of minerals but can lack
persistency under heavy grazing.
The above herbs are available as single species for inclusion in grass mixtures or alternatively HF Summer Herb is a 100% herb mix
containing balanced proportions of the above six herbs for both direct sowing at 1 – 2 kgs/acre or inclusion in a grass mixture.
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